Adam's Pew

[Guest guest]

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASA-ChapterNetwork/message/9233;_ylc=X3oDMTJx

cWdwMjU3BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzM2ODI0NDcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDYxNjE2BG1zZ0lk

AzkyMzMEc2VjA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTIxMjcxNzU0NA--> Project Adam's Pew

Posted by: " gammicca@... "

<mailto:gammicca@...?Subject=%20Re%3AProject%20Adam%27s%20Pew>

gammicca@... <http://profiles.yahoo.com/gammicca> gammicca

Thu Jun 5, 2008 9:25 am (PDT)

I just want to pass this on as the media spotlight around social justice for

individuals with disabilities seems to be increasing. These issues are very

important and the recent cases of Adam Race and Barton bring about the

chance for us to try to effect change within our local communities. Many of

us realize that injustices are occurring daily to individuals with

disabilities and their families. The Race case is something that is a

shocking reminder of that really. Carol Race is facing charges of violating

a restraining order for taking her son to church.......yes for taking her

son to church. The pastor was able to obtain the order by providing

non-factual information in relation to Adam's behavior.

We as a community should realize that this could happen to any of our kids,

any of our families. Are our expectations to high? I don't think so and I

don't think the Race family's were either. They were seeking compassion and

empathy from the folks that should be most giving in that area, the church

they belonged to for twelve years. After meeting Carol Race and speaking

with her at the Safe and Sound conference in Minn. in 2006, I know that she

as an active advocate would never expose others to harm, and that she and

her family have been attempting to gain community support for their son.

They are also culpable and doing their job as a family to properly support

their son and the challenges he faces. They should be supported and deserve

that from us.

The Race family has since taken the high road on this whole issue. They have

started a website and project to allow for a better understanding of ASD as

well as acceptance. Please visit the Adam's Pew website at

www.project-adams-pew.org. Below is the introduction information from that

site. Please feel free to pass this on to others and also send messages via

the website for support of the project and the Race Family. Also say a

prayer that Adam and his family will be able to return to their church to

attend services.

With much appreciation,

Carolyn

Project Adam's Pew

Adam's Pew is a response to the highly publicized May 2008 story in which

Adam Race, a 13-year-old boy with autism, was banned from his church. Adam's

parents received a restraining order from their home parish of 12 years.

Every Sunday for years, his family sat in the last pew. This pew was

reserved, at Adam's family's request. The arrangement lessened any

disruptions Adam's symptoms may have produced.

When news of the restraining order spread, several families of children with

autism pledged to occupy the pew every Sunday until the Race family was

restored to their faith community. It will take most of the families several

hours to reach the Church in the small town of Bertha, Minnesota. Currently,

the restraining order remains in effect and the Race family will soon enter

into mediation. Their goal is to once again become welcome in their home

parish.

Adam Race's story has inspired passionate discussion among countless people

regarding the various facets of this case. Nationally and beyond, many

families are not attending church because they don't feel welcome. The

story's quick spread points to a profound need to establish an atmosphere of

welcome and acceptance in churches everywhere. Thus, Project: Adam's Pew was

created.

Without much planning, effort or cost, Project: Adam's Pew is a simple tool

for church leaders. Through broadening awareness, a church can reach out to

those feeling previously unwelcome and those hesitant to attend church

services due a family member's disability. Project: Adam's Pew is not meant

to replace or compete with other inclusion programs developed by many

denominations throughout the country. This project will link many of those

organizations as Resources.